SEER is an authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. SEER currently collects and publishes cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries covering approximately 28 percent of the U.S. population.

Statistics at a GlanceShow More

At a Glance

Number of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The number of new cases of myeloma was 6.1 per 100,000 men and women per year. The number of deaths was 3.4 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2007-2011 cases and deaths.

Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 0.7 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with myeloma at some point during their lifetime, based on 2009-2011 data.

Prevalence of this cancer: In 2011, there were an estimated 83,367 people living with myeloma in the United States.

Survival StatisticsShow More

How Many People Survive 5 Years Or More after Being Diagnosed with Myeloma?

Relative survival statistics compare the survival of patients diagnosed with cancer with the survival of people in the general population who are the same age, race, and sex and who have not been diagnosed with cancer. Because survival statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. No two patients are entirely alike, and treatment and responses to treatment can vary greatly.

Percent Surviving5 Years

44.9%

Based on data from SEER 18 2004-2010. Gray figures represent those who have died from myeloma. Green figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.

Survival by Stage

Cancer stage at diagnosis, which refers to extent of a cancer in the body, determines treatment options and has a strong influence on the length of survival. In general, if the cancer is found only in the part of the body where it started it is localized (sometimes referred to as stage 1). If it has spread to a different part of the body, the stage is regional or distant.
The earlier myeloma is caught, the better chance a person has of surviving five years after being diagnosed.
For myeloma, 4.9% are diagnosed at the local stage. The 5-year survival for localized myeloma is 66.9%.

In 2014, it is estimated that there will be 24,050 new cases of myeloma and an estimated 11,090 people will die of this disease.

Who Gets This Cancer?

Although a rare disease, myeloma is more common in men than women and among individuals of African American descent. Risk is higher among those with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The number of new cases of myeloma was 6.1 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2007-2011 cases.

Percent of New Cases by Age Group: Myeloma

Myeloma is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 65-74.

Median AgeAt Diagnosis

69

SEER 18 2007-2011, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of New Cases per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Myeloma

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

SEER 18 2007-2011, Age-Adjusted

Who Dies From This Cancer?

Myeloma is the fourteenth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The number of deaths was 3.4 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2007-2011 deaths.

Percent of Deaths by Age Group: Myeloma

The percent of myeloma deaths is highest among people aged 75-84.

Median AgeAt Death

75

U.S. 2007-2011, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of Deaths per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Myeloma

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

U.S. 2007-2011, Age-Adjusted

Trends in RatesShow More

Changes Over Time

Keeping track of the number of new cases, deaths, and survival over time (trends) can help scientists understand whether progress is being made and where additional research is needed to address challenges, such as improving screening or finding better treatments.

Using statistical models for analysis, rates for new myeloma cases have been rising on average 0.7% each year over the last 10 years. Death rates have been falling on average 1.3% each year over 2002-2011. 5-year survival trends are shown below the figure.

More About This CancerShow More

Myeloma

Figure: Myeloma CellsClick to enlarge.

This type of cancer begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). It is also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies. Antibodies are part of the immune system. They work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. Each type of plasma cell makes a different antibody.

Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. These abnormal plasma cells are called myeloma cells.

In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow. They may damage the solid part of the bone. When myeloma cells collect in several of your bones, the disease is called "multiple myeloma." This disease may also harm other tissues and organs, such as the kidneys.

Myeloma cells make antibodies called M proteins and other proteins. These proteins can collect in the blood, urine, and organs.

This factsheet focuses on population statistics that are based on the US population. Because these statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. To see tailored statistics, browse the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. To see statistics for a specific state, go to the State Cancer Profiles.

The statistics presented in this factsheet are based on the most recent data available, most of which can be found in the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. In some cases, different year spans may be used. Estimates for the current year are based on past data.

Cancer is a complex topic. There is a wide range of information available. This factsheet does not address causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, or decision making, although it provides links to information in many of these areas.